Unpacking factors limiting and promoting black-owned SMMEs to participate actively within the tourism value chain in South Africa

Abstract

This study explored the experiences and perceptions of transformation within the tourism value chain in the South African context. Through a series of focus group discussions (FGDs) held with relevant stakeholders and small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), the paper reveals key factors related to promoting and prohibiting the active participation of blackowned SMMEs in the tourism value chain, including opportunities for collaboration with large enterprises; exposure to the industry; policies, procedures and the business practices of large enterprises; and government-related matters. The paper concludes that factors prohibiting the active participation of black-owned SMMEs in the tourism value chain far outweigh those that promote it. It is recommended that, if transformation is to occur in the tourism sector, more attention than in the past needs to be paid to the potential that black-owned SMMEs hold, through securing careful and committed collaboration between all stakeholders in the tourism value chain.